Machine teaser: Baazigar meets Race in this Abbas-Mastan redux

The first teaser for Abbas-Mustan's next directorial, Machine, is out. The film stars debutante Mustafa Burmawalla, and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story actress Kiara Advani in lead roles. The film also marks the director duo's return to the chair after the debacle of Kapil Sharma-starrer Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015).

It is never easy making a debut in a competitive industry like Hindi cinema, but having Abbas-Mustan direct it must make things easy. Burmawalla hogs the teaser as the sly, stylish, daredevil racer and part time lover, while Advani does not have much to do other than strike poses. The shots in the teaser offer Abbas-Mustan fans some promise with their action-packed stunts, and some lavish photography in foreign locations.

The most interesting part though is the not-so subtle homage to some of Abbas-Mustan's best films, particularly Baazigar. From the revealing helmet scene to introduce the hero, Burmawalla, to the red formula one car that he is racing in, the signs are quite obvious. Although it might take some doing for the debutante to match up to the standards of Shah Rukh Khan, it does make up for good nostalgia. There is also a touch of Race (2008), with the flying cars and a hint at suspense in the trailer.

The music is not very promising, and carries shades of the 90s, and does not offer much in the way of inspiration. However, there is still hope for the young actors that the director duo is returning to a theme that they excel in, action suspense dramas.

Machine is directed by Abbas-Mustan, and presented by Jayantilal Gada (PEN). The film is produced by AD Films, Pranay Chokshi, Gada, and Abbas-Mustan. The film stars Mustafa and Advani in the lead roles. Machine is set to release in theatres on 24 March.